Oxford University Scientific Society is hosting a debate on Wednesday, April, 25, 2012, addressing whether aging should be a target of decisive medical intervention — raising the possibility of substantial extension of human lifespan.

Dr. Aubrey de Grey will propose the motion, “This house wants to defeat aging entirely” and Professor Colin Blakemore will be opposing. The debate will be chaired and moderated by Professor Sir Richard Peto.

The debate will begin at 7 pm Oxford time (11 am Pacific, 2 pm Eastern in the U.S.) in the University of Oxford’s Sheldonian Theater.

A video recording of the debate and questions will be posted on the SENS Foundation YouTube channel as soon as possible after the event.

Aubrey de Grey is Chief Science Officer of SENS Foundation, a biomedical research charity that aims to develop, promote, and ensure widespread access to rejuvenation biotechnologies that address the diseases and disabilities of aging.

SENS Foundation aims to bring aging under comprehensive medical control. Its research agenda consists of the application of regenerative medicine to aging — not merely slowing the aging clock, but resetting it to early adulthood.

Colin Blakemore is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences. He is an expert in vision, development of the brain, and neurodegenerative disease. He is active in communication of science and is president and adviser to several charities concerned with brain disorders. Prof. Blakemore was formerly Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council, the UK’s largest public funder of biomedical research.

The event will be moderated by Professor Sir Richard Peto, Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology at the University of Oxford, and an expert on the hazards of smoking and benefits of stopping.

Oxford University Scientific Society is a student society that aims to disseminate science research and to promote scientific discussions.